CHAEACTEEISTICS. 
Tlie male and female are alike in the color of the plumage. The red por¬ 
tion of the front is of a yellow color in the young. The nest is bnilt in hushes 
near the water. It catches and eats land and fresh water mollusks. 
The toes are well developed and are connected to one another hy membrane. 
By this arrangement the bird is enabled to swim in small streams, etc. 
UTILITY. 
It is a bird used for food and the flesh is delicious. 
(38) FULICA ATRA, L. 
(OBAN.) (COMMON COOT.) 
Grallae.—Eallidae, 
WHEEE FOUND. 
It is a native of Japan, and inhabits the neighborhood of rivers or sea 
shores. 
CHAEACTEEISTICS. 
It somewhat resembles koban in character. The toes are furnished with 
incised webs, enabling the bird to swim. 
UTILITY. 
It is a bird used for food and its flesh is inferior to that of the last species 
in taste. • 
(39) LOBIVANELLUS CINEREUS, BLYTH. 
(KERI.) (GEEY-HEADED WATTLED LAPWING.) 
Grallae.—Charadriadae. 
WHEEE FOUND. 
It is a native of Japan and lives near mountain streams, marshes and 
lakes. 
CHAEACTEEISTICS. 
The male and female are alike in the color of the plumage. It feeds upon 
insects and runs very rapidly. The nest is built near the water. 
